Barika Kpeenu is an American professional football running back. He played college football for the North Dakota State Bison.
Early life Kpeenu grew up in West Fargo, North Dakota and attended Sheyenne High School. As a senior, he rushed for 1,052 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kpeenu committed to play college football at North Dakota State University (NDSU).
College career Kpeenu redshirted his true freshman season with the Bison. He played in three games and rushed 52 yards and one touchdown as a redshirt freshman. Kpeenu 501 yards and four touchdowns during his redshirt sophomore season. He rushed for 725 yards and seven touchdowns on 132 carries as NDSU won the 2024 FCS national championship. Kpeenu was named first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference as a redshirt senior after rushing for 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns while also catching 20 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.
College statistics Year Team Games Receiving Rushing GP GS Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD 2021 North Dakota State 0 0 Redshirt 2022 North Dakota State 3 0 0 0 0.0 0 15 52 3.5 1 2023 North Dakota State 15 0 1 7 7.0 0 96 502 5.2 4 2024 North Dakota State 16 6 15 122 8.1 1 132 718 5.4 7 2025 North Dakota State 13 13 20 247 12.4 1 191 1,005 5.3 20Career 47 19 35 369 10.5 2 434 2,277 5.2 32
Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft, Kpeenu attended the Los Angeles Chargers' rookie minicamp and worked out for the Carolina Panthers in May before ultimately being signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 16, 2026. He was waived on August 29.
References
External links North Dakota State Bison bio